Frequently Asked Questions

ROUTES

Where would you recommend that we overnight on our way up from South Africa and on the way back down?

ROUTE 1: KWA NOKENG (on the Botswana side of the Maartensdrift border crossing), THE KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY near Serowe, MAUN or MARANG cottages in Francistown, MODUMELA LODGE 60km past F/town, AUDI CAMP in Maun. (there are two options)

ROUTE 2: Via Zeerust on the new 'Trans Kalahari' over Ghanzi, Sleepover at KANG, TAU TONA LODGE (tel 6597499) or THAKADU CAMP (tel 6596959) in Ghanzi .

Would it be a good idea to use route one on the way and route two on the way back?

And where do you recommend we fill up with petrol & diesel in Botswana?

ROUTE 1 ; Filling station just across the border, Nata ,Maun, Gumare,.

ROUTE 2 ; Kang , Ghanzi, Gumare.

Which border post would you recommend we cross into?

ROUTE 1 ; Our side is called MAARTENSDRIFT, you go via Potgietersrust or whatever it is called now.

ROUTE 2 ; Depending where you are from, South to North, Ramatlabama, Lobatse, Tlokweng.

Please advise what’s the route from Martins drift through Khama Rhino Sanctuary like? I see its tar all the way to Maun. Could you give us contact Nos. or e-mail for accommodation at the Rhino Sanctuary.

The route is fine all the way, only 60km or so close to Mopipi is narrow and winds a lot. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary’s no is 4630713.

ACCOMODATION

Are there other camps between the border and Maun?

On the Maun- Francistown road: Nata Lodge (6211260) and Gweta Rest Camp (6212220) On the Rakops road that leads to Serowe: Meno a Kwena (6860981), www.kalaharikavango.com Le Roo Le Tau (6860300), www.africansecrets.net

Where do we sleep in Maun and how much does it cost?

Accommodation in Maun

Budget: P20 - P150

Sitatunga Camp: 15 km to the West of Maun (tel 6800379) - camping, twin rooms, bar, bar meals.

Island Safari Lodge: 12 km to the East of Maun (tel 6860300) - Chalets, camping, bar, restaurant

Economic: P150 - P250

Audi Camp: 15 km to the East of Maun (tel 6860599) - Tents with power, bar, restaurant

Luxury: P350 - P550

Croc Camp: 16km to the East of Maun (tel 6860265) - Chalets, camping, bar, restaurant

Motsensela Tree Lodge: 15 km to the West of Maun (tel 6800757) - Luxury Safari Tents, bar, restaurant situated on a game farm.

Maun Lodge: (Hotel) in town (tel 6863939)

HOUSEBOATS

How do you get to the houseboats?

Entry points are Sepopa from the Maun -Shakawe road and a tender boat transfer.

Or Seronga via the Mohembo pontoon and a 110 km gravel road on the other side of the river ( 4x4 is recommended).

Or a fly in from Maun to Seronga.

Could you send me a "typical" boat itinerary?

A typical day on the houseboat might be something like this: 0700 generator starts which serves as a wake up call and operates the shower pressure pump, 0800 breakfast [cereal, fruit, ruses, juice, coffee and tea], fishing or birding from tenders, 11 or 1200 brunch, rest until 1500, fishing and exploring islands and channels, 1730 snacks, 1800 is shower hour then cocktails and a three course supper at 2000. This is just a suggestion; times and activities can be changed, there are also optional extra’s like mokoro's and game flights. The boat moves position once a day.

It would also be helpful to know what the fuel requirements for the boat would be.

The average fuel consumption is about 200 L per day.

I see that petrol is charged separately; Is this the houseboat and the tenders?

Yes.

And how much outboard oil?

The mix proportion is 1:50, expect to use about 4 liters per 200l petrol.

FISHING

I would also like to have some fishing gear but we cannot bring with. Is it possible to hire?

We stock basic gear free of charge but losses and breakages must be paid for. Serious fishermen prefer to bring their own tackle.

What tackle must we bring along?

1, Rod: light spinning 6'

2, Reel: coffee grinder to fit

3, Line: 4-6 kg of any colour, keep it light because there are many snags

4, Hooks: med size, light sinkers

5, Spinners: MEPS black, red , yellow No 4; EFFZETT spoons 1-2-3" copper and silver

6, Lures; Rapalas deep and medium divers 3&4"

7, Trace: Black plastic coated

What are the best fishing times and what can one expect to catch?

The most exciting time is from mid Sept - Dec, it's the annual barbel run then and the best time for Tiger fish. It's really something to see. Feb to March is good for bream but there are lots of mosquitoes then. Aug -Sept is good for Nembwe and the climate is also not too bad.

SECURITY

Where can we park and will or cars and equipment be secure?

Your parking at both Sepopa and Seronga will be secure however the Management will take no responsibility for any losses.

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